Tree Canada's National Tree Day Planting Event in Toronto (Downsview Park)

Tree Canada is excited to celebrate National Tree Day (NTD), presented by BMO. This is the biggest NTD celebration yet, with planting events taking place across the country on both the Wednesday and Saturday of National Forest Week.

Join us to plant trees at Downsview Park and connect with nature. Volunteers will plant and mulch 300 trees and shrubs, and plant 50 wildflowers. Tree Canada experts and volunteers will be there to provide support and answer your tree questions. We’ll also provide gloves and shovels! This event is completely FREE!

This event is being held in an inner-city park with low canopy cover. Planting trees in this currently mowed area will serve to increase canopy cover and naturalize the space, reducing the need for mowing and lowering the park's carbon footprint.

Trees play a vital role in absorbing and storing carbon and water, combating climate change and preventing costly flooding damage. They also improve human health by filtering out air and water pollutants, and their roots and leaves help prevent stormwater runoff into a nearby pond, which supports a variety of species, including fish, herons, and turtles. This initiative will enhance the park, encouraging outdoor recreation and relaxation, while improving habitat connectivity and supporting biodiversity.

This is a catered event! Volunteers can grab a snack and beverage, courtesy of Starbucks.

Volunteers should wear and bring the following:

• Water bottle
• Sturdy, closed-toe shoes or boots
• Long pants
• Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing
• Sunscreen
• Bug spray
• Hat
• Hand sanitizer

This rain or shine event will take place unless the forecast calls for thunderstorms or very heavy rainfall.

We look forward to planting with you!

Arriving by car: Meet at Downsview Park South Parking Lot and walk, together with Tree Canada’s Forestry Specialist, 8 to 10 minutes up and down gentle slopes along a paved trail. We recommend arriving 15 minutes early to avoid delays.

Arriving by public transit: Meet directly at the planting site. See the area marked in green near the parkrun in the above map.

The terrain has gentle slopes along paved surfaces up to site. The planting site is turf.

Washrooms are located by the parking lot.

By registering to participate in this event, you consent to your photo being taken or video of you being recorded during the event and used on social media and in Tree Canada and its partners' marketing materials.

Host or Publisher Tree Canada | Arbres Canada